Mr Rooney was an itinerant form worker who moved around Central Otago and as far south as Balclutha. He would come to Kawarau Station to break in horses and work with them. 'Robe' Rooney lived in a hut near the Kawarau homestead. When the work ran out he would move on to other stations, then return months later. Mr Rooney had a small dog who he would 'sell' to Alan Campbell when he needed money to 'go out on the town' in Cromwell. He would then 'buy' back his dog when he earned enough money to pay off his debt.